ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Hardeep S Puri to visit Darbhanga and Deoghar Airports for review
Airports to boost Tourism and Generate Employment
Big push for regional connectivity
Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, MoS, I/C, Civil Aviation will visit the states of Bihar and Jharkhand for review of Darbhanga and Deoghar airports respectively on 12th September 2020. Airports Authority of India is developing these airports. With the operationalization of these airports, air connectivity of the region will be improved. Further, it will give an impetus to local tourism and will generate employment in the region. These airports, through connectivity and increased economic activity, would contribute to the overall economic development of the people of these regions. Recently Shri Puri visited Kushinagar airport in Uttar Pradesh. He reviewed the progress of development of the airport and held constructive discussions with UP Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath on the issues pertaining to civil aviation infrastructure and connectivity.
Darbhanga airport
Airports Authority of India  is developing the civil enclave at Darbhanga for commencement of civil flight operations for Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru under Regional Connectivity Scheme. Construction of the Interim Terminal Building of airport with an area of 1400 sqm., is complete. The terminal building with six check–in counters will be able to handle 100 passengers in peak hours with all required passenger amenities. The work for strengthening of runway for accommodating Boeing 737-800 type of aircraft, construction of new Apron with connecting taxiway and connecting road is in full swing and soon the airport will be ready for civil operations.
The Darbhanga airport belongs to the IAF and land was handed over to AAI for development of the interim civil enclave which includes construction of Pre-fab terminal building along with associated facilities car park, connecting road network, strengthening of runway and dispersal area to cater to the intended aircraft and construction of a link taxi track at the cost of Rs. 92 Crore. The Foundation for the Interim Civil Enclave at Darbhanga was on 24th December, 2018.
Deoghar Airport
Deoghar Airport in Jharkhand is being developed by AAI, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organization  and State Government. The development of airport with project cost of Rs. 401.34 Crore is underway and will be completed very soon. The airport will be spread across 653.75 acres of land and its Terminal Building is being built in an area of 4000 sq meter. With a 2500-meter-long runway, the airport will be suitable for operation of Air Bus 320 type of aircraft. With environment-friendly architectural design and state-of-the-art passenger facilities, the terminal building will be a composite structure inspired by the Shikhars of the Baidyanath Temple.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the development of Deoghar Airport through a video link from an event in Sindri, Jharkhand on 25th May, 2018. Deoghar Airport is the second airport in Jharkhand after Ranchi.
Ministry of Culture
The three day festival of spectacular cultural performances Rashtriya Sanskritiki Mahotsav at Darjeeling concludes
The three day Cultural Festival of the 11thRashtriyaSanskriti Mahostav-2021 at Raj Bhawan, Darjeeling concluded yesterday with a magnificent closing ceremony. Governor of West Bengal, Shri. Jagdeep Dhankhar, Member of Parliament, from Darjeelingand Member of Legislative Assembly were present at the closing ceremony.
On this occasion,theGovernor appreciated the efforts of all the officials of Ministry of Culture, artisans, artists & organizers behind this magnificent program arranged at the Raj Bhawan Darjeeling for the first time.
Other than the performances, last day at Darjeeling witnessed people visiting the stalls put-up by craftsmen from the seven Zonal Cultural Centres. Famous Baul singer, Anuttam Das Baul, performed on this occasion. Bodo cultural dance performed by Konkoti Bodo Kristi Afat& Yak dance by SanyuktaKalakarManch were also some of the other attractions. Besides this ‘Vividha’ Kathak choreography by SamskritikiShreyaskar& finale by Mantra, Nepali Rock Band, enthralled the local audience.
There was a huge crowd who witnessed and enjoyed the programme. Visitors toured the craft stalls, interacted with the artisans and shopped several products. The Visitors also enjoyed the creative ambience and took photographs with all the artistic installations.
Union Minister of State for Culture & Tourism  Shri Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurated the three days Mahotsav on 22nd February 2021 in Darjeeling. He highlighted the importance of Culture for the youth and how it can engage gainfully the young artists from various areas including rural areas.
RashtriyaSanskritiMahotsav, the flagship festival of Culture Ministry has been organized since 2015 with the active participation of Seven Zonal Culture Centres andhas been playing a pivotal role to take the vibrant culture of India out to the masses instead of confining to auditoria and galleries. It has been instrumental in showcasing, folk and tribal art, dance, music, cuisines & culture of one state in other states reinforcing the cherished goal of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” and at the same time providing an effective platform to the artists and artisans to support their livelihood. Earlier RashtriyaSanskritik Mahotsavhave been held till date since November, 2015 in various states and cities such as Delhi, Varanasi, Bengaluru, Tawang, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tehri and Madhya Pradesh.
Vice President's Secretariat
The Vice President condoles the demise of Shri T.N. Seshan
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has condoled the demise of former Chief Election Commissioner Shri T.N. Seshan -
“It’s with great regret that I come to terms with the demise of Shri Tirunellai Narayana Seshan, an indefatigable crusader for voters’ rights who is credited with initiating wide-ranging electoral reforms to strengthen the foundations of Indian Parliamentary system.
As the Chief Election Commissioner from 1990-96, he was one of India’s foremost institution builders and turned the Model Code of Conduct into a powerful instrument. He had introduced transparency into the system and imposed spending limits for electoral campaigns of candidates.
His tenure was marked by many positive changes and helped in providing a level-playing field to all political parties and made the conduct of elections freer and fairer. The Indian Election Commission became a role model for democracies across the world.
By putting in place strict policies and processes, Mr Seshan strove hard to eliminate electoral malpractices, while strengthening the autonomy of institutions and enforcing the powers vested in officers.
He has left behind a great legacy and it is the duty of everyone who cherishes a strong democracy to uphold and further strengthen it.
With a heavy heart, I convey my profound condolences to the bereaved family members.”, the Vice President said.
Department of Space
First Manned Mission
The Human Space Mission: Gaganyaan is targeted for December 2021. The Gaganyaan Programme has been approved by the Government of India. The design and configuration of major subsystem are finalized. The procurement and system/ subsystem realisation for tests and flight has commenced.
The crew selection and training process for Gaganyaan mission is progressing well including the training in Russia under Gaganyaan Mission.
GSLV Mk III launcher which is ISRO’s heavy lift launcher is identified for Gaganyaan mission. It has requisite payload carrying capacity for Orbital module in desired elliptical orbit. Process for human rating of GSLV Mk-III is progressing well.
ISRO has wide experience in technological areas with respect to Launch vehicle, spacecraft management, ground infrastructure etc. ISRO has taken steps for human rating of existing systems to ensure crew safety. In certain areas where ISRO lacks experience such as Human centric systems, crew training, crew recovery etc., ISRO is planning to collaborate with national and international agencies. MoUs in this regard have already been signed with DRDO labs, Indian Air Force and Russian space agency.
This information was provided by the Union Minister of State  Development of North-Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Agriculture with New Perspective of Atma Nirbhar North East-Initiative of NERCRMS - a registered society under the aegis of NEC under the Ministry of DoNER.
Deomali hamlet is located in the Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh, where most people are engaged in agriculture. Since the growing of spices has great potential in NER due to suitable agro-climatic conditions.
On February 12, 2022, the North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Society , Shillong, in collaboration with the Spice Board Divisional Office Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, under the North Eastern Council , Ministry of DoNER, GoI, organised a training programme for spice growers at the Patkai Hills Welfare Society Office, Deomali, Tirap, Arunachal Pradesh.
Accordingly, more than 60  participants were trained. They were trained in spice growing as well as to sell their produce for income generation.
Spice Board authorities further highlighted that more such projects will be implemented in the Namsang Block and Soha Block in the near future to encourage farmers to improve their farm activities and economic status.
Ministry of Railways
Mechanised Cleaning System in Railways
One of the initiatives taken to maintain cleanliness standard at station premises is introduction of mechanized cleaning at major stations over Indian Railways. The mechanized cleaning system is used for comprehensive cleaning of all platforms, circulating area, foot over bridges, retiring rooms, waiting rooms etc. in the stations premises where conducive surface like tiles/kota stone is available.
The station cleaning activities are carried out through mechanized means by using high pressure water jets, mechanised floor scrubber, flippers, Battery Operated Push /Ride on Scrubber, High Pressure Jet, Wet & Dry vacuum cleaner etc. along with the requisite manpower. The activity is outsourced to professional agencies to maintain high standard of cleanliness on the Railway station and its premises.
In order to have effective waste disposal system, concrete washable aprons on platform tracks with jet cleaning arrangements are provided at important stations where long distance trains stop in the morning hours, to facilitate cleaning of night soil by washing into side drains and its subsequent discharge away from stations.
Regular inspections are conducted by various officials at the Railway stations to monitor cleanliness and also to identify weak areas to take remedial measures. Cleanliness Drives are launched from time to time particularly during rush seasons to have wider monitoring. Use of CCTVs has been extended for monitoring of cleanliness activities at major stations. Under ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ special emphasis is given on clean and Hygienic toilets, public awareness and periodic drives.
Enforcement of Indian Railways  Rules, 2012 has been intensified. Third party audit and ranking of stations on cleanliness is also carried out annually in order to give status check feedback and install healthy competition. This is done at 407 major A1 & A category stations.
This information was given by the Minister of State of Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Textiles
HOME EXPO INDIA 2019 BEGINS
The 8th edition of HOME EXPO INDIA 2019 opened at India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noidatoday. The three-day exhibition has been organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts .
Select exhibitors, premium products and invited buyers are the attention of this year’s home expo. Buyers from more than 50 countries including USA, Europe, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, UAE, Lebanon, Iran, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Vietnam and Romania will be visiting the home expo.
Home Expo India covers sectors with maximum thrust and growth potential in home décor, furnishing, furniture, flooring, and textiles. About 500 companies in permanent marts will be exhibiting their collection under these categories at the state of the art India Expo Centre & Mart from 16 – 18 April, 2019.
During Home Expo India, a thematic display of the North Eastern region and other artisans will also attract the visitors.
Exports of furniture and accessories grew by about 27.13%, houseware and decorative 15.19%, home furnishing, flooring and home textiles 6.3% last year. Handicrafts exports during the year 2018-19 was Rs. 26,590.25 crores [prov.] registering a growth of 15.46% over the previous year.
EPCH is the nodal export promotion body for handicrafts in India and plays an important role with the main objective of boosting trade in handicrafts and also projects India’s image in the global market as a reliable supplier.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Application are invited by National Career Service Centre for SC/ST, Chennai
Application are invited by National Career Service Centre for SC/ST, Chennai a subordinate office of Directorate General of Employment, M/O Labour & Employment, Govt. of India, for imparting following Training Programmes:
- Free and Stipendiary Special Coaching Scheme for SC/STs:
Duration: 11 Months
Stipend: 1000 per Month per trainee
Minimum Edu. Qualification: 10, +2 Pass or equivalent from a recognized Board/ University or ITI 
Age Limit: 18-30 years
Course Fee: Free
- 'O' Level One Year Computer Training :
Duration: 12 Months
Stipend: Rs. 1000/- per Month per trainee
Minimum Edu. Qualification: 10, +2 Pass or equivalent from a recognized Board/ University or ITI 
Age Limit: 18-30 years
Course Fee: Free
Note: Date of issuing of Application: 7th May 2018
Last date of receiving application: 8th June 2018
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Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Shri Mansukh Mandaviya launches ‘SAROD-Ports’ today
SAROD-Ports is Affordable Dispute Redressal Mechanism for all kind of disputes of maritime sector
It will become the pivotal mechanism of ummeed , vishwas and nyaya  in the Port sector of India: Shri Mandaviya
Union Minister of State for Shipping  Shri Mansukh Mandaviya today launched ‘SAROD-Ports’  through virtual ceremony today in New Delhi.
Speaking at the launching, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya termed SAROD-Ports as a game changer and added that it will become the pivotal mechanism of ummeed , vishwas and nyaya  in the Port sector of India. Shri Mandaviya also added that enforcement of concession agreements in the letter and spirit is on the utmost priority. SAROD-Ports will resolve the disputes in fair and just manner while saving huge amount of legal expenditure and time.
Dr Sanjiv Ranjan, Secretary, Ministry of Shipping said that all major Ports are shifting towards ‘Landlord Model’ in the days to come. Many concessioners will be working with the Major Ports. SAROD-Ports will inspire confidence in the private players and will ensure right kind of environment for our partners. It will promote ease of doing business in the maritime sector because of the fast, timely, cost effective and robust dispute resolution mechanism.
SAROD-Ports is established under Societies Registration Act, 1860 with the following objectives:
- Affordable and timely resolution of disputes in fair manner
- Enrichment of Dispute Resolution Mechanism with the panel of technical experts as arbitrators.
SAROD-Ports consists members from Indian Ports Association  and Indian Private Ports and Terminals Association .
SAROD-Ports will advise and assist in settlement of disputes through arbitrations in the maritime sector, including ports and shipping sector in Major Port Trusts, Non-major Ports, including private ports, jetties, terminals and harbours. It will also cover disputes between granting authority and Licensee/Concessionaire /Contractor and also disputes between Licensee/Concessionaire and their contractors arising out of and during the course of execution of various contracts.
‘SAROD-Ports’ is similar to provision available in Highway Sector in the form of SAROD-Roads constituted by NHAI.
Backgrounder:
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved amendments in the Model Concession Agreement  .In January,2018.The amendments in the MCA, envisaged constitution SAROD-PORTS as dispute resolution mechanism for PPP Projects in the Major Ports.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
India’s exports record highest growth in 2017-18: Suresh Prabhu
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation addressing the 2nd Services Summit 2018
Despite increasing global protectionism, India’s export will continue to register healthy growth rates and is expected to touch USD 350 billion in the current fiscal said Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, in New Delhi today. The Minister was speaking at the 2nd Services Excellence Awards and Summit – 2018 organised by ASSOCHAM.
The Minister stated that services sector is set to become a dominant driver of the Indian economy and will contribute $ 3 trillion of $ 5 trillion by 2025. In order to give a boost to the services sector Commerce Ministry has identified 12 champion services sectors for which Cabinet has approved a dedicated fund of ₹ 5000 crore to support initiatives for sectoral action.
The Minister further added that the services sector contributes significantly to India’s increased productivity & competitiveness and high quality of the champion services sectors will further boost exports of various services from India and give a boost to employment generation.
The Minister added that India is pushing for export of services to countries in Africa and also Latin America. India has a two pronged agenda with its trading partners: allowing professionals from India to travel abroad and trade facilitation in services export. The Minister exhorted ASSOCHAM to maintain high standards of professionals travelling abroad for services so that delivery of services exported will be of a high quality.
During this occasion the Minister released a Knowledge Study Report jointly prepared by ASSOCHAM and its knowledge partner, Resurgent India and gave away Excellence Awards in 28 services categories.
Ministry of Finance
Formation of GoM as Recommended by the GST Council in Its 31st Meeting held on 22.12.2018.
The GST Council in its 31st meeting held today at New Delhi has approved the proposal to form a 7 Member Group of Ministers to study the revenue trend, including analysing the reasons for structural patterns affecting the revenue collection in some of the States. The study would include the underlying reasons for deviation from the revenue collection targets vis a vis original assumptions discussed during the design of GST system, its implementation and related structural issues.
The Group of Ministers will be assisted by the committee of experts from Central Government, State Governments and the NIPFP , who would study and share the findings with GoM. The GoM in turn would give its recommendation to the GST Council.
The members of the GoM and the Committee of experts would be announced in due course of time.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 150.61 Cr
More than 90 lakh Vaccine Doses administered in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently at 97.30%
1,41,986 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload currently stands at 4,72,169
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 5.66%
With the administration of more than 90 lakh Doses  vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 150.61 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today.
This has been achieved through 1,60,89,073 sessions. The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10388777
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
9736651
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18387012
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
16953203
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
20234580
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
511640381
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
348330801
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
195803770
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
155074089
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
122103139
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
97540500
|
|
Total
|
|
1506192903
40,895 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 3,44,12,740.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 97.30%.
1,41,986 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
India’s Active Caseload is presently at 4,72,169. Active cases constitute 1.34% of the country's total Positive Cases.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of 15,29,948 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 68.84 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 5.66% and the Daily Positivity rate also reported to be 9.28%.
Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Progress of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan  in the Country
During the current financial year, Annual Action Plans of 33 States/ Union Territories  have been approved and an amount of Rs. 547.411 crore has been released to 23 States/ UTs for undertaking approved activities
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, through its erstwhile schemes of Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan / Capacity Building- Panchayat SashaktikaranAbhiyan  had provided assistance to the States/ UTs for capacity building and training of Panchayat Elected Representatives  and other stakeholders, to enable them to perform their functions, including planning and implementation of development programmes, effectively and efficiently. The States were also provided support for establishment of Panchayat Resource Centres. Under these schemes, the States had taken up Capacity Building & Training  of stakeholders on a large scale including e-enablement, thereby increasing the capacity of Panchayati Raj Institutions .
To give further boost to capacity building of ERs and other stakeholders of PRIs, Government has approved on 21/04/2018 the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram SwarajAbhiyan  for implementation from 2018-19 to 2021-22 with the primary aim of strengthening PRI's for achieving Sustainable Development Goals  with main thrust on convergence with Mission Antyodaya and emphasis on strengthening PRI's in the 117 Aspirational Districts.
The Framework for Implementation of RGSA has been prepared and shared with the States for implementation of the scheme of RGSA in a meaningful, concerted and result oriented manner
During the current financial year, Annual Action Plans of 33 States/ Union Territories  have been approved and an amount of Rs. 547.411 crore has been released to 23 States/ UTs for undertaking approved activities including Capacity Building & Training of ERs and other stakeholders. Nearly 25,75,636 participants have been trained during the current financial year.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Shri Kapil Moreshwar Patil in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.